Roundup application begins....

      The annual Roundup application to all Zoysia has begun today.  This application is done to eliminate any cool season grass or weed contamination to the Zoysia from the previous season.  This is an annual application that is typically preformed in the late winter before the Zoysia begins to break dormancy.  It will take several days to complete this application to all fairways and tees.  The timing of this application is critical to ensure the best results.  Generally we like to wait for temperatures to reach the 50s for a few days to complete the application.  The temperature must be warm enough for the target grass or weed to "take up"  the chemical.  If it is too cold the plant will not "take up" the chemical and the application will be wasted.  Even with temps in the 50s it still takes a while for the plant to show signs of death.  The process is slowed even more when the temperatures drop down further after the application is made.  Sometimes it can take upwards of 2 weeks before you will notice a significant difference to the plant.  Even under ideal conditions Roundup can take up to a week to see changes.  This is all normal, so don't be alarmed if you don't notice any change for a little while.

      When we begin the Roundup application we start at the green approaches first.  Boards are aligned along the edge of the bentgrass to prevent any overspray.  A small walk behind spray boom called a spray hawk is used for the precise application of the Roundup on the green approaches, fairway edges and tees.  The spray hawk is also used on some severe slopes such as the small fairway on #13.  Once all the Zoysia in front of the greens has been sprayed we move onto the fairway edges.  This is just one ring around the edge of the fairway on the Zoysia intermediate cut, we call this a fairway ring.  This is done to ensure a crisp edge between the Zoysia fairway and the cool season rough that cannot be achieved solely with our larger sprayers.  Once the fairway rings around are completed we will begin spraying the entire fairway with the larger sprayers and take the spray hawk to the tees and spray the tees that are needed.  Typically tees are sprayed on an as needed basis. 

      On Monday this process was started.  All Zoysia in front of the greens was finished along with a few fairway rings.  Unfortunately the weather has turned and we cannot continue until it warms back up.  Judging by the forecast it looks like we will pick back up on Monday, January 23rd, weather permitting. 

Picture showing the use of boards
to protect the bentgrass

Arrows are used to point out the edge
of the sprayed ring around #2 fairway

Picture showing #3 green with both the fairway
ring and the front of the fairway sprayed. 
The faint blue tint is caused by a dye that is used
to help show what area has already been sprayed.